UK Designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards as Terrorist Organization

The British government has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This decision empowers the UK to ban the IRGC from operating within its borders. Home Secretary Suella Braverman informed Parliament in a written statement that the UK identified activities linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on British soil.

Additionally, the UK government labeled the Islamic Movement, another Iran-affiliated group, as a terrorist organization following a series of attacks against the Jewish community in Britain. Under this designation, it is now a criminal offense to support, express pro-IRGC views, assist their activities related to the UK, or benefit materially from them.

This announcement follows the acceleration of the National Security (State Threats) Bill, as promised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in April. Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of state threat legislation, concluded in his May 2025 report that there are strong reasons to establish a classification authority similar to the 2000 Terrorism Act ban, supplementing existing measures such as sanctions. The goal is to prevent individuals from promoting the interests and objectives of designated dangerous entities.

Violations of the new law could result in a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and/or a fine.